Competition Weekly e-news

Today, the European Commission has adopted an amendment to the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) to prolong by six months certain provisions of the Framework aimed to address persisting market disturbances specifically in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Czech support measure for the construction and operation of a new nuclear power plant in Dukovany in Czechia.

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Romania's plans to grant the Romanian state-owned flag carrier TAROM restructuring aid for up to €95.3 million (RON 473.69 million). The measure will enable the company to restore its long-term viability while minimising competition distortions.

The European Commission has informed International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. (‘IAG') of the Commission's preliminary view that IAG's proposed acquisition of sole control of Air Europa Holding, S.L. (‘Air Europa') may restrict competition in the market for passenger air transport services, in particular for routes within, to and from Spain. The Commission is concerned that customers may face increased prices and/or decreased quality of services after the transaction.

The European Commission has today designated Apple with respect to iPadOS, its operating system for tablets, as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (“DMA”). Apple now has six months to ensure full compliance of iPadOS with the DMA obligations.

1st of May marked the 20 years of the European Competition Network (ECN) - a remarkable journey of cooperation to enforce EU Competition law.

​ The ECN was established to ensure consistent and effective enforcement of EU competition law across the Member States. This network has been a pivotal platform for communication among the Commission and national competition authorities (NCAs). Over the years, the ECN has created a robust framework for sharing insights, experiences, and best practices. This collaborative approach has been crucial in addressing the evolving challenges of the modern economy, from the rise of digital markets to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and global events like the war in Ukraine.

Reflecting on two decades of success, it's clear that the ECN is a true success story. Its work must continue to be nurtured and protected as we move forward.

Next stop of DG Competition's Markets for People series of debates? Aarhus, in Denmark, on 16 May 2024. Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager will be moderating the debate. Speakers are: Michael Svarer (Professor at the Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University); Jakob Hald (Director General, Danish Competition and Consumer Authority); Sofie Carsten Nielsen (Director, European Biosolutions Coalition); and Nina Z. Munch-Perrin (Anchor, DR Nyheder)
You can register now to participate in the debate live in Aarhus. Otherwise, the corresponding live stream will be available on the event-dedicated webpage.